Abstract:

Social services can trace its origin back to the idea of human goodwill and charity. Therefore, confining our study of this phenomenon to the modern era, and consequently ignoring its roots, would be a great error. However, for centuries, charitable organizations of various sizes have been officially established. As a result of the incredible diversity of such organizations in Islamic societies, conducting research in this field is made an easier task. There are many examples of this institutional variety. For instance, the most notable examples would include the akhilik (fraternity) organisation, caravansary, almshouse, guilds, hospitals, charitable institutions, workhouses, Ottoman orphanages and hospices. Historically dervish lodges were mistakenly considered to be solely involved in mystic and esoteric activities. However, this Islamic religious order was fundamentally devoted to holy living through worldly deeds. This originates from the Sufi interpretation of religion, which revolved around serving; the creator, the lordly one true God, and his creations. As a result, the Sufis established Islamic monasteries (ribats), dervish lodge centres (hankah), small dervish lodges (zaviye), inns and bathhouses on deserted roads and mountain bases in order to provide free accommodation, to serve food and drink for cross border travellers and passers-by and generally to meet the needs of people. During the classical Ottoman period, they served as secondary cultural institutions, left vacant by the government in city centres. They served as a meeting point between the political authorities and the people. Dervish lodges were sometimes a shelter for those seeking refuge from a state. We can also presume that they received occupational therapy in the modern sense. This included training under the watchful eyes of the dhikr and contemplation, for the purpose of serving humanity. As a result of their commitment to profession, diligence and the use of logo therapy, they succeded in producing one of the most organised and effective historical instances of social work. This study seeks to elucidate the historical role of dervish lodges in the provision of protective social assistances, social aid and support from a social services stand point.

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